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Chief Physician Associate Officer (CPAO) - Job Posting

Job Title: Chief Physician Association Officer (CPAO), Michigan Academy of Physician Associates

The Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) is a nonprofit organization that represents over 8,000 PAs practicing in the state of Michigan. Its mission is to serve as the essential resource for Physician Associates (PAs) in Michigan and strives to be the primary advocate for PAs statewide. This is achieved by maintaining a regional presence and influencing statewide policy, educational standards, and member support. MAPA promotes quality, cost-effective, and accessible healthcare by supporting professional growth and enhancing the PA practice environment.


MAPA is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors (BODs) composed of Physician Associates (PAs). These directors oversee multiple committees of volunteers, who all operate under bylaws and administrative policies established by the organization and ratified by its members. 


What MAPA does:

  • Advocacy and Legislative Work: Engages in state-level policy, regulation, and legislative efforts to protect and improve the PA practice environment in Michigan.

  • Education and Professional Development: Organizes continuing medical education (CME) events, conferences, and professional growth opportunities for PAs.

  • Member Services and Networking: Provides benefits including networking conferences, resources, a career center, legislative updates, and a membership directory.

  • Public Information and Representation: Acts as a public information center on PA-related matters and represents PAs in regulatory and public health settings.

  • PA Student Life: Provides networking opportunities at regional meetings and CME conferences, annual quizbowl competition and charity drive, and PA advocacy training opportunities for all Michigan PA programs

Early Career PA: MAPA jobs board, first-year fellow discount, and networking opportunities

The Chief PA Officer (CPAO) serves as the principal executive representative of MAPA, responsible for the organization’s external visibility, internal operations, and leadership development. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors — with a primary point of contact being the President, the CPAO plays a critical role in advancing MAPA’s mission, expanding its membership, and ensuring operational excellence through strategic planning and implementation. This individual will work closely with the Board, volunteer leaders, MAPA’s management company, lobbyist, and strategic partners to drive sustainable growth and impact.

  • Represent MAPA as the public face of the organization at both local and national levels, as directed by the Board of Directors. This includes MAPA-hosted, interdisciplinary, and legislative events, as well as written communications to members and the broader community.

  • Oversee and manage all public-facing communications, including the MAPA website, newsletter, member updates, and media outreach.

  • Drive membership growth through the development and execution of targeted recruitment campaigns and ongoing engagement strategies.

  • Enhance organizational efficiency by developing and implementing standard operating procedures focused on reducing overhead and increasing revenue.

  • Support the professional development of current and future volunteer leaders by:

    • Serving as the governance advisor, ensuring alignment with MAPA’s bylaws and administrative policies.

    • Leading annual onboarding for volunteer leaders.

    • Recruiting and cultivating future volunteer leadership.

    • Coordinating the annual volunteer calendar in collaboration with the management company.

  • Attend all Executive, Board, and Committee meetings, participate in special projects, and provide timely updates to the Board of Directors.

  • Advise the Board on committee proposals and emerging initiatives, including conducting relevant market and industry analysis.

  • Collaborate with MAPA’s management company, lobbyist group, and national partners to support day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives.

  • Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors

  • Active Michigan PA license with a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience.

  • Michigan residency or commitment to relocate prior to the start date.

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a professional association, healthcare organization, or advocacy setting (e.g., PA state or national organizations, APP/PA lead, healthcare administration, nonprofit management, business, or governmental affairs).

  • Proven public speaking experience and comfort with regular public appearances.

  • Working knowledge and/or experience managing organizational budget and oversight

  • Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

MAPA’s ideal candidate will possess:

  • Active PA certification.

  • Are a current or will be a MAPA member

  • Experience in membership development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Knowledge of nonprofit governance, operations, and policy development.

  • Leadership experience that includes:

    • Membership or customer base growth

    • Event planning and execution

    • Project management, upholding positive culture, and team-building strategies

    • Fostering professional growth and leadership development

  • Experience with Novi website management (or similar platforms).

  • A working understanding of Michigan’s healthcare policy landscape. While MAPA employs a lobbyist, familiarity with state-level governmental affairs is preferred.

This position is an independent contractor,  hybrid role with both remote and in-person responsibilities. Most tasks, including weekly and monthly duties, can be completed remotely. However, attendance is required at several in-person events throughout the year.

On average, this role requires 15-20 hours per week. The workload varies depending on the timing of MAPA-sponsored events throughout the year.

  • Compensation is commensurate with professional experience.

  • MAPA will cover the membership cost of one relevant professional organization affiliation (as approved by the BOD).

  • MAPA will consider supporting the CPAO’s professional development through media training or other applicable opportunities. Proposals can be submitted to the board for consideration.

  • Travel and lodging costs for required in-person events will be covered by MAPA.

  • Please note: This is an independent contractor position and does not include healthcare or traditional employee benefits.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV along with your answers to the 3 questions listed  using the google form link below.

1-Why are you interested in being MAPA’s first Chief Physician Associate Officer(CPAO)?

2-Given this is the first ever MAPA CPAO position, what is your vision for the role?

3-What is your understanding of the current state of the PA profession and how does MAPA play a critical role in this?

The application deadline is December 11th at 5 p.m. That being said, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and early submission is encouraged. 

CPAO Google Application Link 


If you have problems with the application, please contact the CPAO Search Committee Chair, Rebecca Cronin at CPAOSearch@michiganpa.org

The Chief PA Officer (CPAO) serves as the principal executive representative of MAPA, responsible for the organization’s external visibility, internal operations, and leadership development. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors — with a primary point of contact being the President, the CPAO plays a critical role in advancing MAPA’s mission, expanding its membership, and ensuring operational excellence through strategic planning and implementation. This individual will work closely with the Board, volunteer leaders, MAPA’s management company, lobbyist, and strategic partners to drive sustainable growth and impact.